Inoue vs Tapales For Undisputed Super Bantamweight Title Set For December 26
Last week, we confirmed reports that Naoya Inoue (25-0, 22 KO) vs Marlon Tapales (37-3, 19 KO) is planned to take place on Boxing Day, December 26, 2023. Per ESPN’s Salvador Rodriguez, Tapales promoter, Sean Gibbons, tells WBO President Paco Valcarcel, that the fight for the undisputed super bantamweight championship is on as planned.
Naoya Inoue vs Marlon Tapales for the undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF & WBO super-bantamweight world titles is set for Boxing Day, Dec 26th in Japan, Tapales' rep Sean Gibbons has now confirmed.
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 12, 2023
The location for this fight has not been confirmed, though Inoue has only fought outside of Japan three times in his career and has competed in Japan in his last four bouts, leading many to speculate that this fight will be in his home country to cap off 2023.
The four-weight world champ, Inoue, is in position to become a two-weight undisputed champion in the span of 12 months. Tapales on the other hand, will be defending his titles for the first time.
Fan Reaction:
Inoue destroys Tapales in December and becomes Undisputed again + FIGHTER OF THE YEAR! 🥊
— CaliX (@calixboxing2) October 12, 2023
So amazing.
I do think @terencecrawford is the P4P champ today, but the one clear edge I’d give to the monster is his willingness to take on entire divisions *fast*. He debuted against the top man, and will be unified in the same year. Unreal.
— Nomme De Durr (@LeroyMcSquishy) October 12, 2023
Inoue going to knock Tapales out
— Jordan (@0104jd) October 12, 2023